Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi has criticised the match officials following his side's 1-1 draw with Leeds United, claiming they 'suffered the pressure' of recent VAR controversies. The result leaves Spurs just two points clear of West Ham in the Premier League relegation battle with two games remaining.
Mathys Tel gave Tottenham the lead with a fine finish, but Leeds equalised from the penalty spot after Dominic Calvert-Lewin scored following a handball decision. In the 13th minute of stoppage time, James Maddison went down in the box, but VAR ruled that Lukas Nmecha had played the ball. De Zerbi said: 'I think they were not calm today, maybe they suffered the pressure of yesterday's Arsenal game. The referee was not calm today.'
Spurs have now failed to win any of their last 10 home Premier League games, their longest winless run at home since 1994. According to Opta, Tottenham's survival chances stand at 80.46%, compared to West Ham's 19.54%. Spurs face Chelsea away and Everton at home in their final two fixtures, while West Ham travel to Newcastle before hosting Leeds.
James Maddison declared himself ready to tackle the situation head-on, saying: 'It's going to be a tough game, Chelsea away. We just need to do what we need to do. Follow the gaffer. Mentally be strong.' De Zerbi remained defiant, saying: 'After the Sunderland game, it was difficult to imagine ourselves before the last two games to stay up two points of West Ham. We can't forget what was the situation just 15 days ago.'
